Whether you’re spending a week at your favorite campsite or taking a short weekend trip, you need to keep your food fresh inside a reliable camping cooler. The alternative is leaving your campsite every day to pick up food, which doesn’t exactly jive with the rustic outdoor experience we all expect from a camping trip.
To help you out, we’ve looked for the most long-lasting coolers on the market, and put together a list of camping coolers that are up to the task. In our search for the best camping cooler available, we’ve looked at large, high-capacity coolers for week-long use, as well as smaller models, which are the best coolers for camping over the weekend or deeper in the woods.
Best Camping Coolers
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1. YETI Tundra 65
YETI Tundra 65
Features
- Holds 39 cans with recommended 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio
- Holds a quartered deer or Keeper redfish
- Dry ice compatible
- Can act as a bay boat casting platform when secured
- Note: all Tundra models come standard with one Dry goods basket
The Yeti Tundra 65’s tough roto-molded shell is IGBC-certified for bear resistance.
Key Features
- 52-quart capacity
- Stays frozen for 7 days
- Outside dimensions of 30.5”L x 16”W x 17.5”H
- Weighs 29 pounds empty
- Includes a dry goods basket
- Certified bear-resistant
- Roto-molded exterior
- Heavy-duty carrying handles
- Molded tie-down slots
- Available in 5 colors
The Yeti Tundra 65 is a heavy-duty 52-quart camping cooler that’s certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) for bear resistance. There’s an important thing to remember about IGBC-certified camping coolers; they need to be padlocked shut on both sets of locking holes in order to be effective.
This cooler lasts up to 7 days when properly loaded with ice, and includes a removable basket for keeping your dry goods out of the water. Its rugged nylon rope handles feature comfortable polycarbonate grips for easy carrying, and its molded tiedown slots make it easy to secure to your truck or boat.
This Yeti camping cooler is on the pricey side. But its rugged construction and travel-friendly design make it well worth the cost.
Pros
- Great choice for bear country
- Durable construction
- Designed for easy transport
Cons
- A little pricey
The heavy-duty nylon rope carrying handles on this camping cooler is exceptionally strong and comfortable to use.
2. Igloo BMX 25
Igloo BMX 25
$89.99 in stock
1 used from $80.23
Free shipping
Features
- Heavy duty blow-molded construction with reinforced base for increased strength and protection.
- Extremely durable yet lightweight with proven 4-5 day ice retention
- UV inhibitors protect the cooler against sun damage for extended life.
- Rust-resistant, stainless-steel hinge rods and hardware provide extended performance.
- Rubberized T-grip latches keep lid secure.
The Igloo BMX 25 is a small, 25-quart cooler that’s designed for weekends or day trips.
Key Features
- 25-quart capacity
- Stays frozen for 4 days
- Outside dimensions of 19.6”L x 13.2”W x 15.7”H
- Weighs 11.3 pounds empty
- Blow-molded construction with rubber-reinforced base
- Gray body with blue latches and black and blue handle
The Igloo BMX 25 is a lightweight, portable cooler with a 25-quart capacity. This is enough for a few people for a weekend and makes the BMX 25 a solid choice for shorter trips. This cooler is designed to be carried. Not only is it light and compact, but it also features a comfortable, padded handle that makes it easy to pack in and out of your campsite.
That said, this is a budget-priced cooler that’s not designed for longer trips. It only lasts a maximum of four days, so choose a beefier cooler if you need it to last all week.
Pros
- Compact, portable, and lightweight
- Durable design
- Affordable
Cons
- Relatively short-lasting
If you’re looking for a small, portable cooler that’s built like a tank, this is a good choice.
3. Coleman Extreme 5
Features
- Keeps ice up to 5 days at temps up to 90°F thanks to an insulated lid and extra insulation in walls
- Holds 100 cans and has molded cup holders on top of lid to keep drinks close and prevent spilling
- Leak-resistant channel drain lets you remove excess water without tilting cooler
- Have-A-Seat lid supports up to 250 pounds so you always have a place to sit and rest
- Comfort-grip no-crush handles for easy, pinch-free carrying
The Coleman Extreme 5 is a large capacity cooler that comes at a reasonable price.
Key Features
- 70-quart capacity
- Stays frozen for 5 days
- Outside dimensions of 29”L x 15.8”W x 18.2”H
- Weighs 13.75 pounds empty
- Cupholders in lid
- The lid can support up to 250 pounds
- Available in 5 colors
The Coleman Extreme 5 is a large, 70-quart cooler that comes from one of the most trustworthy names in camping. It weighs less than 14 pounds empty, making it easy to carry around when it’s not full of ice and supplies.
The lid on this cooler is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, there’s no hinge or locking system, so you’ll need to keep it tied down if you’re on a bouncing boat or if you’re carrying it in a truck bed.
On the other hand, the lid itself is sturdy enough to support 250 pounds, so you can use it as a camp stool. It also has four built-in cupholders, so you won’t keep your drinks warm all week only to end up spilling them.
The Extreme 5 is very reasonably priced, a real bargain considering what you’re getting.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Large capacity
- Affordable
Cons
- No locking system
This camping cooler weighs only 13.75 pounds, which is impressively light for a 70-quart cooler.
4. Engel ENG65
Engel ENG65
$293.99 in stock
Features
- Best in class ice retention and overall performance, holds ice for up to 10 days
- Rotationally molded with 2 inches of high density closed-cell polyurethane insulation all round and is certified Bear-Resistant - so its vertually industructable and built to last!
- IGBC Certified bear resistant container - when 2 locks used
- Silicone airtight gasket, adjustable recessed marine grade compression latches and UV-Resistant Contruction
- Dry Ice compatable. Non-Marking rubber feet. 10 year warranty
The Engel ENG65 is cold enough to use dry ice if you so desire.
Key Features
- 58-quart capacity
- Stays frozen for 10 days
- Outside dimensions of 29.5”L x 17.3”W x 18”H
- Weighs 11.38 pounds empty
- Dry ice-compatible
- Certified bear-resistant
- Non-marking rubber feet
- Available in 3 colors
The Engel ENG65 is an ultra-cold cooler that’s designed to store regular ice for up to 10 days, although a week is more realistic under most conditions. For dry ice, you’ll get about 2 days of performance, which is long enough to keep a brisket or a pack of steaks frozen solid through the end of the weekend.
At under 10 pounds, the ENG65 has a lightweight design. This makes it all the more impressive that this cooler is IGBC-certified as bear-resistant. Throw a couple of padlocks on it, carry it a hundred yards from your campsite, and you’re good to go to sleep in bear country.
Engel offers a 10-year warranty, so you’re covered if anything goes sideways. The only thing we didn’t like was the latches, which are awkward to close properly.
Pros
- Stays cold for more than a week
- Great choice for bear country
- Lightweight
- 10-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Poorly-designed latches
The ENG65 cooler is exceptionally long-lasting for a mid-priced cooler.
5. Pelican Elite 50
Features
- INTERIOR DIMENSIONS - 17.50 x 11.00 x 13.70 (44.5 x 27.9 x 34.8 centimeters) EXTERIOR (L X W X D) 30.00 x 20.30 x 20.40 (76.2 x 51.6 x 51.8 centimeters) INT VOLUME: 1.53 feet³ (0.043 meter³ ) INSULATION THICKNESS: 2.00 inches (5.1 centimeters)
- EXTREME ICE RETENTION: 2 inches of polyurethane insulation with a 360 degree freezer-grade gasket delivers extreme ice retention
- FEATURES: Overmolded carry handle, 3 inch locking latches, reinforced lockable hasp, stainless steel bottle opener, anti-shear hinge system, molded-in tie-down slots
- FEATURES: 4 self draining cup holders, non-skid rubber feet
- MADE IN USA: Includes Pelican's legendary lifetime guarantee - "you break it, we replace it. Forever!"
The Pelican 50QT Elite isn’t just a cooler, it’s your party companion on your camping expedition.
Key Features
- 50-quart capacity
- Stays frozen for 10 days
- Outside dimensions of 30”L x 20.3”W x 20.4”H
- Weighs 31 pounds empty
- Non-skid rubber feet
- Molded tie-down slots
- Built-in stainless steel bottle opener
- Self-draining cupholders in the lid
- Available in 12 colors
The Pelican 50QT Elite Cooler is, as its name implies, a 50-quart cooler that features molded tie-down slots for easy transport. The Elite keeps your food cold for as long as 10 days, making it a good choice for extended stays on the campsite. At 31 pounds, it’s on the heavy side, but it comes with some extra features that are well worth the weight.
This cooler features a built-in stainless steel bottle opener on the front center. And the lid features deep cupholders with draining channels that keep them from filling with water over the course of a sunny day. It’s available in 12 different colors, so you can choose one that matches the rest of your camping gear.
Pros
- Stays cold for more than a week
- Self-draining cupholders stay dry easily
- Designed for easy transport
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Heavy
This is one of only two camp coolers on our list that comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
6. RTIC 65
RTIC 65
$260.89 in stock
Features
- ALL ABOUT THE EXTREMES – The RTIC Hard Cooler is designed for impact resistance, durability, and long-lasting ice retention. Perfect for anywhere adventure takes you.
- 3-INCHES OF INSULATION – With up to 3 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, this insulated cooler is all about extremes. Your food and beverages will stay colder and for longer in this ice chest.
- LONG-LASTING ICE RETENTION – This portable cooler is made for portability with heavy-duty rope handles that allow you to take it anywhere. Keep your drinks, food, and meat cold on that long trip.
- MULTIPLE USES – It’s the perfect ice cooler, drink cooler, travel cooler, beer cooler, can cooler, camping cooler, beach cooler, boat cooler, or barbecue cooler.
- MANY SIZES AVAILABLE – This outdoor cooler comes in 20 qt, 45 qt, and 65 qt. It can double up as a bench, step stool, tabletop, or extra cutting board.
The RTIC 65 features molded tie-down slots for easy attachment to a vehicle or boat.
Key Features
- 67-quart capacity
- Stays frozen for 6 days
- Outside dimensions of 32.5”L x 19.5”W x 18.5”H
- Weighs 34.9 pounds empty
- Certified bear-resistant
- Non-skid rubber feet
- Roto-molded exterior
- Heavy-duty carrying handles
- Molded tie-down slots
- Available in 3 colors
The RTIC 65 is a well-engineered, roto-molded cooler that’s IGBC-certified for bear resistance. It holds up to 67 quarts, a relatively large capacity, and it’s rated to stay cool for up to six days. It features heavy-duty nylon rope carrying handles, with soft rubber grips for comfort. Once you’ve carried it to your vehicle, it’s easy to secure, with molded tiedown slots that hold it firmly in place.
This cooler is durable, but it’s on the heavy side, and the drain plug has no leash. Keep an eye on it if you don’t want to have a permanent hole in the bottom of your cooler. That said, the RTIC 65 is an excellent choice for storing your food anywhere near bear country.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Durable construction
- Designed for easy transport
- Great choice for bear country
Cons
- No leash for drain plug
- Heavy
This beefy 67-quart ice chest has heavy duty nylon carrying handles that are comfortable to grip.
7. Coleman Steel
Coleman Steel-Belted
$149.99 in stock
11 used from $105.12
Free shipping
Features
- High-capacity, heavy-duty cooler features a charming retro design
- 54-Quart Capacity Accommodates Up to 85 Cans; Have-a-Seat Lid Supports Up to 250 Pounds
- Keeps the Ice insulation offers 4-day ice retention in temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Built to deliver years of performance with rust-resistant stainless steel hardware
- Comfort-grip steel handles allow for easy, controlled lifting and carrying
The Coleman Steel is a retro steel camping cooler with a 54-quart capacity.
Key Features
- 54-quart capacity
- Stays frozen for 4 days
- Outside dimensions of 26”L x 17”W x 17”H
- Weighs 19 pounds empty
- Lid supports up to 250 pounds
- All stainless steel construction
- Classic retro design
- Available in 6 colors
The Coleman Steel Belted Cooler is the most eye-catching cooler on our list. With its colorful stainless steel construction, it looks like something out of the 1950s, right down to the retro diamond-shaped Coleman logo. It weighs only 19 pounds empty, with a lid that’s sturdy enough to double as a camp stool.
This cooler has a large capacity for a weekend cooler, with plenty of space for dozens of cans or a half-dozen 2-liter bottles. It’s also easy to carry and clean, with all stainless steel surfaces including the handles. That said, it only lasts for four days at most, so it also functions like an old-fashioned ice box.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Attractive retro look
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
Cons
- Relatively short-lasting
If style is as important to you as function, this camp cooler is a good choice.
8. YETI Tundra 35
YETI Tundra
$275.00 in stock
Features
- The YETI Tundra 35 is portable enough for one person to haul while still having an impressive carrying capacity of up to 20 cans with a recommended 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio
- Ice stays ice thanks to up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and an extra thick FatWall design is certified Bear-Resistant
- The Rotomolded Construction makes the Tundra armored to the core and virtually indestructible so wherever you decide to take it, this portable cooler’s sturdy construction will stand up to the rigors of the journey
- All Tundra coolers feature T-Rex Lid Latches constructed of heavy-duty rubber so you’ll never see another busted latch and has patented keeper technology
- The Tundra 35 dimensions are 20 in long x 16 1/8 in wide x 15 1/4 in high with an empty weight of 20 lbs NOTE: All Tundra models come standard with one dry goods basket
The Yeti Tundra 35 is a personal cooler that will keep a few six packs of brew cold for over a week.
Key Features
- 29-quart capacity
- Stays frozen for 10 days
- Outside dimensions of 21”L x 16”W x 15.5”H
- Weighs 20 pounds empty
- Includes a mini dry goods basket
- Certified bear-resistant
- Roto-molded exterior
- Heavy-duty carrying handles
- Molded tiedown slots
- Available in 8 colors
The Yeti Tundra 35 is a smaller, more lightweight version of the Yeti Tundra 65 that started our list. It has a lot of the same features, including a bear-resistant design, a roto-molded exterior, and carrying handles that are tougher than the cooler itself.
This cooler is pricey and heavy for a 29-quart cooler, but you get excellent quality in return. Not only do you get the ruggedness you’d expect from a Yeti, but you also get up to 10 days of the ice-cold performance. And as with all Yeti Tundra coolers, you get an internal dry goods basket to keep dry food out of the ice and water.
Pros
- A great choice for bear country
- Rugged design
- Designed for easy transport
- Stays cold for more than a week
Cons
- Pricey and heavy for the size
This is one of the few smaller coolers on the market that’s certified bear-resistant.
9. Igloo Iceless
Igloo
2 used from $119.08
Free shipping
Features
- Swing-up bale handle with comfort grip for easy carrying
- Molded-in side handles for two handed carrying or lifting. Capacity-32 12-oz cans; 26 quarts (24 liters)
- 8' long power cord plugs into any 12V DC receptacle (e.g. cigarette lighter) for portable use - good universal fit in 12V outlet
- Uses your car's cigarette lighter to cool without ice, unlocking more room for food and drinks, as well as keeping all contents fresh and dry. Takes cooler temperature down to 36F below surrounding air
- Cools without ice and leaves you more room for food and drinks
The Igloo Iceless is a powered cooler that’s a perfect choice for car camping.
Key Features
- 28-quart capacity
- Stays cold for as long as it stays powered
- Outside dimensions of 18.2”L x 13.1”W x 15.5”H
- Weighs 9 pounds empty
- Runs on 12V power (car outlet)
- 8-foot power cord
- Silver body with white lid
The Igloo Iceless is a unique cooler that runs on your car’s 12V power supply. It cools up to 28 quarts of material down to 36 degrees below the surrounding temperature. This will keep things very cold in spring and fall, but won’t necessarily be useful if the temperature rises above the mid-80s. And, of course, it’s no use if it’s not actually plugged in and drawing power.
That said, there are a lot of benefits to an electric cooler. For one thing, you’ll never need to replace the ice. For another, you won’t need to constantly drain water out of the bottom. Finally, the cooler doesn’t need much insulation and is very lightweight, so it’s easy to move in and out of your vehicle.
Pros
- Requires no ice
- Lightweight
- Will keep running indefinitely
- Affordable
Cons
- No locking mechanism
- Only cools to 36 degrees below ambient temperature
- Requires a 12V power supply
If you’re camping in or near your car, this camping cooler is an easy option that never needs to be drained.
10. Driftsun 75
Driftsun 75
$229.99 in stock
1 used from $229.99
Features
- INSULATED COOLER: Driftsun Ice Chests hold ice for days on end with up to 3” inches of commercial grade insulation, freezer grade gasket, and ColdSeal Latches. Keep your beverages, meal, catch or ice packs cold for days.
- FEATURES: Every Driftsun Cooler is packed with features that make camping and the outdoors even better. It comes with Military-grade nylon rope handles, Non-Slip Rubber Feet, Molded Tie-Down Slots with Lock Plates, Recessed No-Leak Drain Plug, Pressure Release Valve, and 2 Stainless Steel Lock Plate Bottle Openers! This is the optimal beach, fishing, and camping cooler!
- SERIOUSLY TOUGH: All Driftsun Ice Chests are virtually Indestructible. These portable coolers are made with Rotomolded Thermoplastic Construction with Heavy Duty Rubber ColdSeal Latches and Exterior UV Protection. No matter where you travel or how you travel, the Driftsun Cooler will come back for more.
- SERIOUSLY COLD: The 75 Quart Driftsun Cooler has 3 inches of commercial grade insulation. The molded freezer rubber gasket keeps your water jug, lunch bag, or food items colder for longer!
- 1 YEAR MANUFACTURER WARRANTY: We guarantee our Ice Chests to be free from defects in material, workmanship, and assembly, under normal use and in accordance with the specifications and warnings for a period of 1 year.
The Driftsun 75 is a rugged, bear-resistant cooler with a large capacity.
Key Features
- 75-quart capacity
- Stays frozen for 7 days
- Outside dimensions of 33.5”L x 18.5”W x 18”H
- Weighs 32 pounds empty
- 2 built-in bottle openers
- Certified bear-resistant
- Roto-molded exterior
- Heavy-duty nylon handles
- Non-skid rubber feet
- Dry ice-compatible
- Available in 4 colors
The Driftsun is one of the largest on the market. It’s also ruggedly designed, with a roto-molded exterior that’s IGBC-certified as bear-resistant. It features heavy-duty nylon handles that have enough flex and length to make it easy for two people to share the load.
This heavy-duty cooler comes with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty to guarantee good quality. It’s also rated for use with dry ice, although dry ice will only last about 24 hours as opposed to the week you’ll get out of standard ice.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Great choice for bear country
- Rugged construction
- 12-month manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Heavy
This ice chest is rated for dry ice, making it a good choice if you have meat that needs to stay truly frozen.
11. Grizzly
Features
- Rotomolded: Our coolers are made from rotationally-molded LLDPE plastic and are designed to achieve even wall thicknesses for optimal durability
- Thermal Properties: All hard-sided coolers are pressure injected with up to two inches of Ecomate polyurethane foam for optimal cooling. This unique insulation has no global warming potential, no ozone depletion potential, and is made with no VOCs.
- Lid Gasket: Our lids seal with a rubber gasket to keep cold air trapped extending the longevity of your ice.
- Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) Certified: All Grizzly hardside coolers are IGBC Certified Bear-Resistant. Each hardside cooler also comes with two lock holes to keep your cooler secure and your contents safe.
- Made in USA
The Grizzly Cooler is a compact, 20-quart cooler that’s IGBC-rated as bear-resistant.
Key Features
- 20-quart capacity
- Stays frozen for 2 ½ days
- Outside dimensions of 20.25”L x 12.375”W x 14.25”H
- Weighs 16 pounds empty
- Certified bear-resistant
- Roto-molded exterior
- Eco-friendly foam construction
- Available in 10 colors
The Grizzly Cooler is a rugged, bear-resistant cooler with a roto-molded exterior that’s so tough it’s got ice in its veins. While it’s only well insulated enough for a weekend trip, its 20-quart capacity is ideal for one person.
The real advantage of the Grizzly Cooler is its Eco-mate 2# foam insulation. This material is an environmentally-friendly polyurethane, which is EPA-approved for green technology, and produces minimal byproducts during manufacturing.
Pros
- Very eco-friendly
- Rugged design
- Great choice for bear country
- Affordable
Cons
- Only suitable for weekend camping
- Heavy for the capacity
If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of a large plastic cooler, The Grizzly Cooler’s eco-friendly design will keep your conscience squeaky clean.
Bottom Line
If you want the best cooler for your campsite, make sure you know how much food you’re going to need, and buy a cooler that’s large enough for your needs. A small cooler is a good choice for portability, but if you need a lot of capacity a 30-quart cooler is going to come up short on space.
Another important consideration is how long your cooler will retain ice. We’ve focused mostly on coolers that stay frozen for a week or more, but you may not need such a long-lasting cooler if you’re only camping for a night or a weekend. In that case, a lighter-duty cooler like the Coleman Steel Belted Cooler can be a more convenient option.
Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert camping guides and tips!
The Review
11 Best Camping Coolers
Here are the ratings of the 11 best camping coolers on the market.
Review Breakdown
-
YETI Tundra 65
-
Igloo BMX 25
-
Coleman
-
Engel ENG65
-
Pelican Elite
-
RTIC 65
-
Coleman Steel-Belted
-
YETI Tundra
-
Igloo Iceless
-
Driftsun
-
Grizzly
11 Best Camping Coolers DEALS
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